EVERETT – It could be a red Nissan parked at the mall or a blue Honda in front of your neighbor’s house.
| Police recommend following tips to prevent your vehicle from being stolen:
* Lock your doors, roll up your windows and take your keys. * Do not leave your vehicle running unattended no matter where you are or how long you’ll be gone. * Park in well-lit, well-traveled areas. * Don’t leave anything valuable in plain sight. * Use more than one anti-theft device such as an alarm or a steering wheel lock device. The Everett Police Department offers reduced-priced locks for $10.86. For more information about the locks, contact crime prevention officer Steve Paxton at 425-257-7521. Source: Everett Police Department |
It could a junker with a broken window or a shiny sports car with custom license plates.
Everett police are warning thieves that the next car they try to steal could be wired for an arrest.
“If they want to steal a car in Everett, they’d better bring their toothbrush because they’re going to be spending a long time with us,” Everett Capt. Mike Campbell said.
High-tech bait cars are being planted around the city.
The department announced the program and the citywide campaign to fight auto thefts Monday.
Police won’t say how many cars they have or what models are being used.
“They could be anywhere at anytime,” Sgt. Jerry Strieck said.
The cars are equipped with video cameras and tracking systems, allowing police to monitor and pinpoint the location of the cars.
The technology also allows officers to remotely kill the engine and lock the crook inside.
Police say they can make an immediate arrest or follow the car for further investigation, such as locating a chop shop, where vehicles are stripped for parts.
The department says it will be able to target high-theft areas, such as parking lots and apartment complexes.
The cars were out on the streets in mid-May. It took only three days to nab the first thief.
Video taken from inside the car shows a woman driving around Everett. It even catches her wiping her fingerprints from the steering wheel and visor.
Three other people have been arrested in connection with stealing the bait cars.
The technology costs between $4,500 and $5,000 for each car. Corporate sponsorships have paid for the bulk of the program.
The department hopes the cars will help reduce vehicle thefts in the city.
In 2003, Everett had the third highest number of car thefts in the state. Police departments from around the county note that crime has steadily been on the rise.
Last year, Everett Police Chief Jim Scharf formed a 12-person task force to crack down on car thefts.
So far this year, Everett has seen a drop in thefts, police said. Between January and May, 640 cars were reported stolen. During the same time period last year, there were 752 cars stolen. That’s a nearly 15 percent reduction.
Police credit several different efforts, including the task force and the sale of more than 4,000 discounted steering wheel locks.
The bait cars will be another deterrent, police said.
Public service announcements are set for local radio stations, and local buses will soon bear posters with the programs slogan: “Planning to steal a car? Bring a toothbrush.”
Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.
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